African women redefining the global soundscape

Music has always been a universal thread, weaving tales of connection and identity through time. Now, African female artists are boldly redrawing its global map. Once overshadowed by male-dominated charts, these women are blending Afrobeat, R&B, amapiano, and pop with unparalleled creativity. Fueled by TikTok, streaming platforms, and raw talent, their ascent is not just a moment, it’s a revolution. From modest roots to global stages, artists like Tems, Ayra Starr, Nikita Kering, Tyla, and Sofiya Nzau are proving that African women are leading music’s new era with unstoppable influence.

Tems

Born Temilade Openiyi on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, Tems took a daring leap in 2018, leaving a steady marketing job to chase her musical dreams. Self-producing her early work, she wove R&B and Afrobeat into a distinctive sound. Her global breakthrough came with Wizkid’s 2020 hit “Essence,” which earned a Grammy nod and thrust her into the spotlight. Tems’ accolades are impressive: she’s topped the BBC 1Xtra Airplay Chart and Billboard Hot 100, won a Soul Train Music Award, two NAACP Image Awards, and BET honors.

In 2025, she became the first Nigerian woman to claim multiple Grammys, including Best African Music Performance, and was named a Time 100 Next honoree. Her debut album, Born in the Wild, transforms personal narratives into powerful anthems, captivating listeners globally.

Ayra Starr

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known as Ayra Starr, was born on June 14, 2002, in Benin Republic to Nigerian parents. Her cross-cultural upbringing shaped her vibrant, genre-defying sound. A prodigy, she entered Les Cours Sonou University at 14, but music was her true calling. Signing with Mavin Records, she released her debut EP in 2021. Her 2022 hits “Bloody Samaritan” and “Rush” skyrocketed her fame, with “Rush” amassing over 370 million Spotify streams and a Grammy nomination.

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She became the youngest African woman to hit 100 million YouTube views on a single video. Her awards include the 2022 Headies Viewer’s Choice, African Entertainment Awards USA, African Muzik Magazine Awards, a historic MOBO Award as the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act, and Net Honours. Ayra’s bold Afropop and empowering lyrics mark her as a fearless talent dominating the charts.

Nikita Kering

Born around 2002 in Kenya, Nikita Chepchumba Kering began her musical journey at age three. By 2012, she performed at Emmy Kosgey’s album launch, her talent already shining. As an early Spotify ambassador, she balanced music and acting, crafting a unique blend of R&B, Afro-pop, and pop. Winning $3,000 from the emPawa100 masterclass funded her “Tragedy” video, and she earned the 2019 Pulse Music Video Award for “Happy With You.”

Nikita has since secured two All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and, in 2025, the African Achievement Award for Excellence in Music and Youth Empowerment. At 23, her soulful, honest vocals have made her a global voice, amplifying Kenyan music and inspiring youth worldwide.

Tyla

Tyla Laura Seethal, was born around 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She left university to pursue music, gaining traction on TikTok before signing with Epic Records. Her 2021 single “Getting Late” hinted at her potential, but her “popiano” fusion—pop meets amapiano—set her apart. Her 2023 hit “Water” won the first-ever Grammy for Best African Music Performance in 2024, making her the youngest African Grammy recipient.

Her debut album has earned 31 awards from 107 nominations, solidifying her as a genre innovator. Tyla’s sultry rhythms and dance-driven sound have carried her from Johannesburg’s streets to Billboard’s heights, redefining pop with African flair.

Sofiya Nzau

Born Sofiya Wanjiku on February 20, 1993, in Mombasa, Kenya, Sofiya Nzau’s story is one of resilience. Once a street vendor, she turned to music, blending EDM, house, and Kikuyu lyrics in tracks like “Mwaki” and “Mwanake.” Her collaboration with Brazilian DJ Zerb on “Mwaki” became a global sensation, surpassing 500 million Spotify streams by August 2025 and earning the title of Kenya’s most-streamed song.

In May 2024, she became the first East African to reach 10 million monthly Spotify listeners, ranking 9th in Africa with 10.5 million by 2025. Her historic performance at Tomorrowland 2025 marked her as the first Kenyan to grace the iconic festival. Sofiya’s rise from hardship to stardom highlights music’s transformative power.

These women are not just creating music, they’re reshaping its future. From Grammy triumphs to festival milestones, their stories of resilience and innovation transcend borders, influencing genres and cultures worldwide.